Coordinates: 24°04′23″S 54°17′01″W / 24.07306°S 54.28361°W
| Location | Border between Paraguay and Brazil |
|---|---|
| Type | block |
| Total height | 375 feet (114 m) |
| Number of drops | 18 total, 7 primary |
| Average flow rate | 1,750,000 cubic feet (50,000 m3) per second |
| Watercourse | Parana River |
The Guaíra Falls (Spanish: Saltos del Guaíra, Portuguese: Salto de Sete Quedas) was a waterfall located on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. With an estimated volume of 1,750,000 cubic feet (50,000 m3) per second, the falls were, at least in terms of total volume, the largest waterfall on earth.[1] The falls were flooded in 1982 by the reservoir impounded behind the Itaipu dam.
Contents |
Characteristics
The falls were formed at a point where the Parana River was forced through a narrow canyon downstream from the Maracaju Mountains in Brazil. At the head of the falls, the river was constricted from a width of about 1,250 feet (380 m) to 200 feet (61 m).[2] The falls were actually a series of 18 individual cataracts, with the seven primary falls lending its name in Portuguese. The largest individual cataract had a height of 130 feet (40 m).
See also
References
- ^ Switkes, Glenn (2008-03-14). "Farewell, Seven Falls". http://internationalrivers.org/en/blog/glenn-switkes/farewell-seven-falls. Retrieved 2008-06-25.
- ^ "Guaíra Falls". Encyclopedia Britannica.
Sources
Brazil, Lonely Planet Guide, 4th Edition, c. 1998 Lonely Planet Publications, PO Box 617, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
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